First cricket match hosted in Eilat

Eilat hosts Ra'anana in the first game to be played in Eilat © Israel Cricket

The Red Sea port city of Eilat has many attractions - a promenade lined with the finest hotels, a full variety of water sports, jeep rides into the desert and sunshine all year round are just some of the reasons why thousands of tourists flock there every year. And now cricket can be added to that list.

A group of enthusiasts, inspired by Mr. Isaac Solomon, have been playing cricket in Eilat for almost seven years. They officially became part of the domestic league two years ago, overcoming numerous hurdles in the process. Their dream has been to host games in Eilat, and over the past weekend that dream was realised. Mayor Meir Yitzchak-Halevi and Deputy Mayor Eli Lankari were both present last Friday morning to inaugurate the new field, with the local team proudly hosting Ra'anana Cricket Club who became the first Israeli team to visit Eilat.

The field, allocated to the club by the Eilat Municipality earlier this year, is perfectly located just alongside the city's football facility and within walking distance from most of the major hotels. The Jordanian mountains to the east and Mount Shlomo to the West, provide a spectacular setting. The pitch itself is astroturf, while the outfield, although sandy, is soft and flat.

The mayor, dressed in full battle gear of pads and a helmet, strode out to face the first ball on the new pitch. Bowled by the first three underarm balls he faced, he finally connected with the fourth ball to cheers, both of excitement and releif he had finally hit one. The first game was very exciting, with Rimon Nagavkar putting in a man of the match performance, excelling with both bat and ball as the hosts won by 10 runs. Ra'anana were too strong in the second game on Sunday, with 14-year old Rafi Schachat scoring 90, playing an innings he will remember for years to come.

Eilat hosts Ra'anana in the first game to be played in Eilat © Israel Cricket

Before the field was available, cricket lovers used to be satisfied playing in an open space or basketball court. In the beginning a tennis ball was used and bats belonging to some individuals were shared. Later on, assistance in the form of used equipment was gained from Dimona A Cricket Club and play with a hard ball was possible. Four years ago, the group was organized into a proper team, and in 2005 joined the Sitar organization of Eilat and proper equipment was bought from India.

Joing the league was the next natural step to take, but without a home ground expensive transport costs had to be taken into account. However this could not stop the team's determination, and in 2006 they joined the league, making an instant impact by winning Division 3 without losing a single match. 2007 was also a successful season with Eilat finishing third in Division 2.

The Eilat team, captained by Samson Borgarkar, consists of players from all ages and cultures. The youngest player is 15 and the oldest is 71. But the common denominator is a love for cricket. Players have had no problem working night shifts in the hotel industry, and then setting out at 4.30 for a game 450km away in Tel Aviv. But that should all change, with Eilat now with a field of their own and looking forward to hosting more teams. Ra'anana were hosted so well they have already booked another tour for March.